Gas Prices Around the World and Riding a Motorcycle

Even with record-high gas prices, riding a motorcycle in America is a low-cost transportation. Don’t expect American bikers to consider electric motorcycles as an alternative in the near future. If you think you pay a lot for gas, compare gas prices around the world.

Basics of Gas Prices and Uncle Sam’s Generosity

The price of gasoline is generally the same everywhere. What makes gas more or less expensive is the tax levied on it. Even with record-high prices, gas in America is cheap compared to that in most other countries because Uncle Sam taxes us less. We also pay less than the rest of the West.

Gas Prices in Europe

Countries in Western Europe impose heavy taxes on gasoline. So, the prices there are usually three to four times the price in the United States. In countries like U.K., Italy, and France, about 70% of the price of gas is made up of tax. The reason these European countries impose such high taxes on gas is to reduce fossil-fuel dependence (mostly imported), traffic, and pollution.

Where’s the Cheapest Gas

Oil-rich countries such as Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and Egypt subsidize the cost of gasoline, which makes both transportation and goods cheaper. The cheapest gas in the world is in Venezuela, where the price has been about $0.08 per U.S. gallon since 1998.

How Much To Fill Up Your Tank in Venezuela

Motorcycles have a tank capacity of 2.5 to 6 gallons. If, say, you are riding a Ninja 250 with 4.5 U.S. gallon capacity, it would cost you 34 cents to fill up the tank and it will be enough for 200 miles (44 mpg). Two-hundred miles for 34 cents—not bad ah? With prices like that, it would be very tempting to try and fill some gas cans to use back home…

How Much to Fill Up Your Tank in Europe

If the average price of gas in the United States is $3.5 per gallon, in Europe on average it would cost you $47.25 to ride 200 miles with a full Ninja 250.

Gas Prices P.S.

Gas prices in Russia are similar to those in the United States. Gas prices in Japan are similar to those in Europe. California is the state with the highest gas prices.